Catholic sings for faith and Pakistan On the Urdu Gospel beat

Alfred Gill was born in Mian Chanoo, Khanawal, Pakistan. There he was introduced to the world of music.

"It was a God gift from my family," he said.

His uncles from his mother's side were all singers and musicians. Mr. Gill often sat in on their programs and performances.

It was only a matter of time before he himself developed the talent.

"I started singing when I was in fourth grade," recalled Mr. Gill. "I sang during the morning assembly at St. Vincent High School."

From the school assembly to spots across the northeast United States, Alfred Gill continues to entertain anyone willing to listen. 

Advent and Christmas are busy times.

He was recently in New York with his choir for a seasonal show and also performed with the Pakistani Christian Com-munity in Albany, and will be travelling to Philadelphia on Dec. 20 for a Christmas performance.

Religion-charged 
A tall, tan-skinned and balding man with a gently persistent manner and a resonant voice, Mr. Gill credited his school and the Catholic Church for being his first teachers and getting him involved in the music scene. 

Through the morning assemblies and performing for the church choir, he became more involved and more aware of his talent. His dedication and confident demeanor have also played huge roles in his success. However, it was his uncles who helped him reach his true potential.

"My uncle, William Paul, taught me how to play the tabla," Mr. Gill said, referring to a Pakistani percussion instrument. "I began playing that and singing."

His voice he credits to his Uncle Victor John, whom he calls his "inspiration."

While he developed his talent and honed his vision back in Pakistan, where he taught school for 25 years, in the United States Mr. Gill was able to be recognized for it.

"In 1997 I applied to the U.S. and God willing, they gave us a visa."

Along with his wife, Ester, and son, Kashif, Mr. Gill and his family moved to Philadelphia and later came up to Albany, where he worked with the Pakistani-American Presbyterian Church as a music director.

Foreign familiar
In 2003 he released his first CD, "Nijat," which means "Salvation." Singing in Urdu, a Pakistani language, Mr. Gill brings his listeners into a transcendent world with a Christian theme. 

His second CD, "Gawahi, Urdu for "Testimony," netted him an award at the West End Presbyterian Church in Albany.

Despite his work with the Presbyterians, Mr. Gill is actually a baptized Catholic. He attends St. Catherine of Siena Church in Albany. His music also has ties to Catholicism, singing and praising Jesus and His works as depicted in the New Testament.
Mr. Gill wants to use proceeds from his CDs to help his countrymen back home. 

"Pakistan is not in good condition," he said. "They need help."

That, he said, is the motivation for recording his next CD as well.

"If I get good funds, I would like to do something for the younger generation there," he stated. "They have very poor education and I would like to help them."

Family harmony
Currently, Mr. Gill runs the ASKE gospel music business, which is named after his family: A - Alfred; S - Shamim Akhtar, his son's birth mother; K - Kashif, his son; and E - his wife, Ester. 

His website, www.askegill.com, provides viewers with pictures of Mr. Gill and his families, as well as samples of songs off both his CDs. To him, family is what guides him.

"My son and my wife are helping me," he stated.

Mr. Gill said he considers music his major accomplishment. But he concentrates on the effort rather than the laurels. "The main thing is the quest," he said.

(12/18/08)